Johnny Sexton’s rugby career came to an end with defeat in Rugby World Cup quarter-final, but he still thinks the current team will achieve great things. 

Ireland lost to New Zealand 24-28 in a nail-biting match up to the last minute at Stade de France last night. 

The result in Paris ends a run of 17 wins in a row for the top-ranked Irish team and marks the eighth time Ireland has failed to move past the quarter-final in the Rugby World Cup. 

The defeat marked Irish Captain Sexton’s final match with the team but following the match, he said he's backing the team to go on to achieve major success. 

“This group will bounce back,” he said. 

“They’re an incredible bunch – the best group I’ve ever been a part of, bar none. 

“These guys, they’re going to achieve great things, and I’ll be sitting in the stands, having a pint.” 

Mack Hansen of Ireland and Leicester Fainga'anuku of New Zealand compete for the ball during the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final, 14/10/2023. Image: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Head Coach Andy Farrell also said he was proud of the time and there were only fine margins separating the sides in Paris. 

"Being held up over the line from a maul very close to the end, which could have sealed the game,” he said. 

“Those little bits are all over the game - ifs, buts and maybes and all that. 

Ireland players line up before the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final match, 14/10/2023. Image: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

“But at the end of the day it was two good teams out there playing some outstanding rugby, and unfortunately for us we came out on the wrong side of the score. 

“Over the next 24 hours, it’s time to make sure that we get a smile back on our faces as soon as we possibly can and celebrate what has been some unbelievable careers and what they have done for Irish rugby.” 

Mr Farrell confirmed player Keith Earls and team manager Mick Kearney are also retiring following Ireland’s World Cup exit.